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Review

1996
Kia
Sephia Review

Bottom-bin bargain for budget drivers.

Reviewed by Automotive on
3/11/1996

Overview

The 1996 Kia Sephia is an entry-level vehicle based on the Mazda Familia design. This sedan is a solid budget vehicle for commuters and urban or suburban drivers. The low price and high gas mileage makes it one of the cheapest options available, both in initial cost and running expenses.

Overall, the 1996 Kia Sephia does not provide much competition to more expensive sedans, which tend to have better performance and more standard features. Drivers looking at higher-end vehicles can safely pass over it entirely. However, budget minded drivers will find it a good option that is well worth it. Point is, it's a solid vehicle at a price that few vehicles, even poorly-equipped ones, can match.

The Range

What's New

The 1996 Kia Sephia receives some minor tweaks to improve its performance, and the GS can now be equipped with anti-lock brakes as an optional feature.

Exterior

The 1996 Kia Sephia is a four-door sedan based on the Mazda Familia design, which is clearly evident based on its appearance. It's not particularly distinct looking beyond the similarities to the Familia, but it should appease most drivers without any major issues. A rear spoiler is available as an optional feature on the LS, and alloy wheels are available as an optional feature on the GS.

Interior

The Kia Sephia has almost no standard features, which is unusual for a passenger sedan. The higher-priced GS has an AM/FM radio, cassette player, and anti-theft system as standard equipment. Optional features on the LS and RS include air-conditioning, an AM/FM radio, and cassette player. The RS can be equipped with take cruise control, air-conditioning, and a premium audio system as optional features.

Performance & Handling

The 1996 Kia Sephia does not have a lot of oomph with an unimpressive 1.8-liter four-cylinder engine. The performance and handling is mediocre compared to most vehicles on the road. However, it does hold up well compared to similarly-priced competitors. Higher-priced sedans generally can outperform it in acceleration and handling. However, it's more than adequate for day-to-day driving, which is what most owners do with it.

Safety

The 1996 Kia Sephia is an entry-level vehicle based on the Mazda Familia design. This sedan is a solid budget vehicle for commuters and urban or suburban drivers. The low price and high gas mileage makes it one of the cheapest options available, both in initial cost and running expenses.

Overall, the 1996 Kia Sephia does not provide much competition to more expensive sedans, which tend to have better performance and more standard features. Drivers looking at higher-end vehicles can safely pass over it entirely. However, budget minded drivers will find it a good option that is well worth it. Point is, it's a solid vehicle at a price that few vehicles, even poorly-equipped ones, can match.